Everything You've Been Told About Commercial Water Softeners Is Wrong

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

Commercial Water Softening Systems

Why Water Softeners Matter

Let's talk tap water. In loads of spots across North America, the water's got a knack for being stubbornly hard.

Translation? If your water's got more than 7 grains per gallon (gpg) of hard minerals, you’re looking at a nasty cocktail for your plumbing and heating systems, thanks to scaling and wear and tear.

Believe it or not, over 85% of America’s sipping on hard water, so keeping infrastructure safe and sound with water softeners is a big deal.

What’s the magic? Water softeners boot out those pesky minerals that love leaving behind scale in pipes or boilers, keeping everything smooth-sailing.

For the businesses counting on them, that means fewer hiccups and a smoother ride overall.

The Perks of Commercial Water Softeners

Jump on board the soft water train and you're looking at a bunch of perks.

Here’s why companies are all in:

Keep Your Gear Running Longer:

• No scale means your boilers and dishwashers get a longer lease on life.

Snip Maintenance and Operating Bucks:

• Dodging scale equals more efficient machines with fewer breakdowns.

Shrink Energy Bills:

• Softened water heats up quicker, saving energy. Just a bit of scale (0.25 inches) is enough to jack up energy use by 40%.

Cut Back on Soap and Detergents:

• Suds up better with soft water, so you use less for laundry and cleaning.

Shiny Spot-Free Clean:

• Wave goodbye to spots on your dishes and glassware—especially handy in hotels and restaurants.

Clothes and Linens Last Longer:

• Soft water’s gentle touch means fabrics hold up better over time.

Save Water and Energy:

• Factories see less water and power use, often earning their money back fast by fitting in water softeners. Extend cycles without worrying about scale.

So, by rolling out commercial water softeners, businesses can run more smoothly while seeing savings rack up in maintenance, energy, and supplies.

Not too shabby, right?

Choosing the Right System

Picking the right commercial water softener is key for businesses to keep the soft, top-notch H2O flowing smoothly.

It's all about looking at a bunch of factors and getting the size just right for your needs without any hassle.

Factors in Selecting a Water Softener

When you're on the hunt for a commercial water softener, here are some things to keep on your radar:

• Water Volume Needs: Check how much water you're using day in and day out. This way, your system won't conk out when you need water the most.

• Water Quality: Peek at how hard your incoming water is, usually in grains per gallon or parts per million. This helps in picking a system that can handle what's coming its way.

• Salt Usage Efficiency: Go for a system that doesn’t guzzle up the salt. Efficient systems save you money and time on replacements and are kinder to Planet Earth.

• Upkeep and Costs: Think about the long-term upkeep and operating expenses so your system stays wallet-friendly.

• System Reliability: Make sure your system hits the water quality marks every time. Consistent and reliable are the names of the game when it comes to keeping business chugging along.

• Eco-Friendliness: Choose systems that are green and easy on the environment. This means less salt and water waste.

Checking off these factors helps you spot a system that matches your business needs and wallet size.

Sizing Guidelines for Commercial Systems

Getting the size of your commercial water softener just right is crucial for it to perform like a champ.

The media inside the tank, where the magic happens, usually softens water at speeds of two to 10 gallons per minute per cubic foot of media, depending on the water's mineral content.

Example Sizing Calculation

Let's say you run a place that needs 30 gpm of softened water.

If we're aiming to treat 6 gpm per cubic foot of media, here's what it looks like:

So, in this scenario, you'd need a 5 cubic foot softener to handle the 30 gpm requirement.

Importance of Proper Sizing

Getting the size right makes sure:

• Steady Flow: You always have a supply of soft water, even during busy times.
• Budget-Friendly: Right sizing slashes salt use and saves you on replacements and running costs.
• Durability and Trustworthiness: A well-sized system stays within its happy range, cutting down on wear and extending its life.

Here's a quick look at the example sizing:

Nailing the sizing doesn't just make the system tick, it also safeguards your business gear by keeping the nasty hard water at bay.

Stick to these pointers to snag an efficient and reliable water softening setup.